Geum ‘Mai Tai’

Avens (Geum spp.) are spring-blooming perennials that can be found growing in North and South America, Europe and Asia. Geum ‘Mai Tai’ is a member of the Cocktails series bred by Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens. It is deer resistant and hardy in zones 4 to 8.

Flower Description and Bloom Time
Single to semi-double blooms of vermillion red fade to a peachy-pink in May-June. One evaluator noted, “Beautiful flower with apricot blend of colors.” Flowers stayed nicely upright and additional blooms continued for a sequence of colors. Evaluators rated flowers as good to excellent.

Foliage Interest — Color and Texture
Medium green, cut-leaved foliage that appears neat throughout the season. One evaluator commented “green foliage that is pretty all summer long.” Another noted, “the foliage fizzles mid-season and then rebounds.” A third evaluator stated, “Even after the tough summer of 2012, foliage is still completely clean—no yellowing, no brown edges, no fungal problems.”

Habit and Growth Rate Observations
Plants typically grow about 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. In the evaluation sites, plants grew in mounds from 8 to 16 inches tall to 13 and 15 inches wide.

Successes and Possible Drawbacks
Evaluators recommended removing spent flowers after bloom. Because of a drought during the evaluation period, one evaluator noted that some leaves turned yellow and brown and were picked off to keep a clean appearance, otherwise no extra maintenance was needed.

Notes from Growers/Retailers
Geum ‘Mai Tai’ is part of the Cocktails Series and has reimagined avens, offering gardeners a variety of flower colors ranging from soft pastels to fiery tones of red, orange, and yellow. No serious pest or disease problems.

Good Combinations
Works well in perennial borders, butterfly gardens, rock gardens and cottage gardens. Works well as a bedding or border plant, a specimen plant. Pair with Salvia, Camassia and other spring-blooming perennials.

Parting “SHOT” — The overall evaluation results were Good. 3 stars.

This plant was evaluated from 2011-2014 at four sites in Chicago’s western and far northwestern suburbs in conditions that ranged from full sun to light shade with average soil. All evaluators recommended the plant. Evaluators’ comments include: “very nice blending of colors for the spring garden.” “I rate this plant highly in every category. It puts on a big show in the spring. Looks neat, tidy, green and healthy for the rest of the season.” “Love this plant, covered with blooms that are suspended over a tidy clump of foliage.”